Preds capitalize on Ryan’s suspension, take 2-1 series lead…

The Nashville Predators have been here before. The series tied coming home for Game 3. Then winning Game 3. Then taking a 2-1 series lead into Game 4, also at home. Last time, however, the Chicago Blackhawks won three straight to take the series and, eventually, the Stanley Cup.

Can the Preds prove they’ve learned from last year? Because it seems like they’re re-living it.

Late in the first period, the Predators not only struck first but they struck twice in 0:38.

After Ducks defenseman Luca Sbisa interfered unnecessarily on Matt Halischuk (who was heading to the bench for a change), Erat picked up his own rebound and roofed it over Anaheim netminder Ray Emery to make it 1-0.

Then, just seconds later, Ryan Getzlaf tried a backhand pass in front of his own net and Tootoo picked it off, hit the cross bar on the initial shot but then, while falling down, swept the rebound home to make it 2-0.

Late in the second, Teemu Selanne bagged two goals in 0:30 to tie the game.

“They got the late powerplay goal and then come back and scored,” Head Coach Barry Trotz said. “When something like that happens, it can really test your mettle and your character. I thought we responded really well.”

Early in the third period, Erat fed a gorgeous pass across to a waiting Legwand and, once again, the Preds are able to score when making Emery go post-to-post. The goal made it 3-2, Nashville.

But it wouldn’t last as, just seconds later, Matt Beleskey tied the game for Anaheim once again, this time at 3-3.

But that wouldn’t last either. Fisher scored his third goal of the series to give the Preds the 4-3 lead after a sweet cross-crease backhand pass by Sergei Kostitsyn. It would prove to be the game-winner.

The Preds and Ducks will now sit idle until Wednesday (thanks Lady Gaga!) when Game 4 will take place inside Bridgestone Arena. If you thought the building was loud and rockin’ tonight, imagine Wednesday with the chance to go up 3-1 in the series.

*goosebumps*

Puck drops at 7:30pm and we’ll see you then! And remember: hot tea and honey all day Wednesday. You’re gonna need it.

LEFTOVER THOUGHTS:
* This was the first of the two games Ducks superstar Bobby Ryan is suspended for. He was second on Anaheim in shots during the regular season. The Ducks managed just 15 in this game. Put two and two together there. (props to David Boclair for that stat)
* The Game Ops department brought back the Run This Town intro video (updated) much to the delight of Preds fans everywhere.
* The Ducks didn’t get their first shot on goal until 9:31 into the game.
* Preds defenseman Shane O’Brien had five hits in the first period alone. He finished the game with six.
* Erat was high-sticked again tonight. This time by Corey Perry. No penalty called. Again.
* Perry then one-handed cross-checked Kostitsyn’s face after the whistle and, you guessed it, no call.
* Since losing his front grill in Game 2, Erat has a goal and two assists.
* While O’Brien has been sitting in the box, the Ducks have found the back of the Preds net three times in this series.
* Erat has six points in his last four playoff games.

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2 Comments

Woody619

April 17, 2011 at 9:28 pm

Personally, I think someone needs to talk to SOB about his “temper”. I am all for standing up for teammates and the like. He just seems to let the goons (have your pick) get to him. When they get to him, he is in the box, and they score.

He is not the only one going to the box, but he is there more often than any other player so far this series and the Ducks can capitalize on that.

Kevin

April 18, 2011 at 7:15 am

Don’t fall into the ducks trap! they are bringing down our talent with all of the “after the play” bull. lets keep focused on playing our game and keep out of the box! two more to go boys! Keep it up!

About Jeremy K. Gover

Jeremy grew up in the Bay Area cheering for the Sharks since their inception. He moved to Nashville in September of 2005 and became a season ticket holder a day later. Thankfully, he no longer bleeds teal. You can e-mail Jeremy at jeremy@section303.com.

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